INTERVIEW: Andy Crabtree Reflects On Youth Cup Exit

The Sky Blues under-18s fell to defeat in the third round of the FA Youth Cup against Aston Villa under-18s at Villa Park.

City had gone ahead in the game after a matter of seconds when Morgan Crowther was on the end of a Jack Burroughs cross to make it 1-0.

However, goals either side of half-time from Belgian Winger, Colin Odutayo for the hosts ensured that Villa would progress to the next round and not the Sky Blues.

The under-18s fought hard in the game and almost got back into the game in the second-half, but they were unable to get the decisive goal.

Academy Coach, Andy Crabtree spoke of his disappointment after the final whistle on his sides departure from the competition, but insisted there are positives to take.

He said: “It’s disappointing and the lads are disappointed with the result.

“We thought we could have asked more questions of them in the attacking half as nothing really came off for us of any note and we didn’t work the keeper as much as we would have wanted.

“We defended resolutely which kept us in the game up until the last minute and we always had a chance which is positive.

“I’ve just said to the lads in there it is disappointing that we are out, but what we have to do now, is what we have done of late and pick up the positives, analyse it and go back to the drawing board and go again.”

After Crowther opened the scoring in the first minute, it was almost the perfect start, had Odutayo not equalised in the ninth minute.

Sometimes scoring so early on in the game can be difficult Crabtree admitted, with the game taking a while to settle down.

He added: “It was a fantastic start and credit to them, they got the ball into good areas and when you score that early it can be difficult, and to be fair Villa scored early as well.

“It was a really open game and took a while to settle down, around the 20 minute mark it eventually did settle, but to come here in the arena we did, there are plus points and a lot to work on to.

“The defence did ever so well, as did Tom Bilson the goalkeeper, who made some good saves and the centre backs also did well, winning headers and made it difficult for forward line from Villa.

“It was a big test for our defence and they had to remain concentrated which they did. However, in the middle of pitch we need to work the ball better and pass better and we know we can do that. But performance wise, the defence did well, but from an attacking side we can do better.”

Despite the exit from the competition, the Acadmey will continue to work on their improved form in the league and will continue to develop the next generation of Sky Blues players.

“We’ve always said here at the academy it’s about development.

“It’s nice to be involved in these games, but it’s important now that we don’t let this result have an effect on our league form, because it has picked up of late and there are positives to take from tonight’s game.”